Living Nativities retell, reach out

Preparations are underway for the annual Sugar Creek Lutheran Church barn service on Christmas Eve. Services, featuring young actors and live animals, will be held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 at Maple Lawns Farm in the town of Sugar Creek. Photo submitted

JANESVILLE — Area churches are ringing in the holiday season by bringing the story of Christmas to life.

During the next several weeks, several churches will host a living Nativity display or re-enactment.

At First Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva, about 25 church volunteers will participate in the living Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 14.

"It's positive outreach, bringing the word of God to people and sharing the true meaning of Christmas with people in the area,” said church volunteer Britta Sherman. “It's something the entire family can come see. The more people who come see it, the more blessed we are.”

First Lutheran will offer three performances with music and narration between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14.

“The Nativity scene is acted out in a live performance,” she said. “Afterwards, we have coffee, cocoa and refreshments.”

A local farmer and church member offers the use of his animals for the Nativity event.

“He brings in goats and sheep for the display,” Sherman said. “Of course, they're fenced in, but you can still reach in and pet them.”

The setting is more rural for the annual Nativity scene organized by Sugar Creek Lutheran Church.